Methanol for the Læsø ferry

Challenge

The Læsø ferry service is currently operated with two older ferries powered by fossil fuels. The ferries make 4-8 daily trips between Frederikshavn and Vesterø Harbor on Læsø. One of the ferries is facing a retrofitting to achieve greener propulsion.

There is very limited experience with tested and cost-effective retrofitting of ferry routes that cannot be directly electrified.

Solution

The project develops a proof-of-concept solution for retrofitting one of the Læsø ferries based on a hybrid of methanol engines and methanol fuel cells, which can be powered by e-methanol produced through Power-to-X from wind and biogenic CO2. The solution can be implemented within 2-4 years.

Impact

CO2-neutral operation of the Læsø Ferry, while eliminating NOx and SOx emissions.